As of tomorrow, 8 May 2026, the new Homes England updated key information document (KID) templates for standard shared ownership homes will become mandatory. The change is designed to standardise what customers are told at the point of sale and to make provider disclosures more consistent across schemes.

The unified templates were first published on 13 March 2026 and apply to existing and future Homes England-funded shared ownership sales under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021–26 and the Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026–36. 

The GOV.UK publication can be found here.

The new approach brings the programmes under one set of templates and places more emphasis on clarity and consistency for applicants. 

The practical impact is that Registered Providers will need to ensure that KIDs remain compliant and must now cover the following: 

• Clearer eligibility and affordability explanations.
• Disclosures around costs, including a five-year service charge projection.
• Clearer distinctions between new build and resale requirements.
• Increased transparency around lease provisions, including clearer policies for subletting and owning pets.  
• Stronger warnings about the consequences of non-payment of Ground Rents and Service Charges.

Homes England previously provided an eight-week transition period, so providers should have moved to the revised templates by 8 May 2026 for relevant sales. However, KIDs do not need to be reissued for homes currently being marketed or progressing through sales where they have already been provided.

Separately, the GLA has not yet issued updated KIDs for London schemes, so London providers should continue using the existing GLA documents for now.

If providers anticipate difficulties meeting the implementation timeline, Homes England has asked them to get in touch via sharedownership@homesengland.gov.uk.

We can also support registered providers by reviewing populated KIDs; ensuring they align with policy and lease wordings, as well as briefing teams so documents and processes remain consistent and compliant.

If you need any help and support navigating these changes, please do not hesitate to contact me.